Modular HMI range benefits from PC technology

Aimed particularly at users with graphical operator interface requirements at the machine or small process level, the PanelView Plus HMI is quick and easy to use.

HMIs have become a vital part of everyday life in the modern factory.

Over the last few years, great progress has been made in providing units with excellent graphics and sophisticated control.

Now, with the launch of its Allen-Bradley PanelView Plus software-based modular range of HMIs, Rockwell Automation has raised the game to another level.

Aimed particularly at users with graphical operator interface requirements at the machine or small process level, PanelView Plus is quick and easy to use.

Units are ideal for applications that need to display information graphically and log data so that operators can quickly check the status of their equipment.

A variety of flexible options such as, software based advanced graphics and animation, provide superb clarity and the high environmental specification offers reduced downtime and a much lower total cost of ownership.

PanelView Plus is programmed using RSView Studio, the same development software for RSView Supervisory Edition, Rockwell Automation's supervisory level, distributed, multiserver/multiclient Visualisation software.

This is the foundation for Rockwell Automation's "ViewAnyWare" strategy, enabling applications to be scaled to suit a variety of platforms from simple operator interfaces to large distributed visualisation systems.

This reduces development and maintenance costs by re-use of application components at all levels.

Key features of PanelView Plus include: trending to allow the creation of time based or x-y plots of up to eight pens per trend; data logging, allowing up to 300,000 values of a single record to be saved locally or on a remote drive; and advanced graphics, allowing full 24bit colour bitmaps to be animated and saved for re-use in customisable libraries.

The modular basis of the PanelView Plus hardware means that large users will only have to hold a limited range of communication, logic and display modules to cover all their needs.

This will considerably reduce spares requirements, saving money and offering immediate flexibility to the project engineer.

OEMs might also choose to standardise on one or two models and so reduce their stock holding requirements.

The simple and easy upgrade routes will also help protect their investment, without restricting their own product development plans.

PanelView Plus is offered with 6.5, 10.4, 12.1 and 15in TFT active matrix colour displays for a wide range of viewing options.

Keypad, touch and combination keypad/touch versions are available as well as USB ports for mouse and keyboard support.

The PanelView Plus units have been extensively tested to meet the harshest environmental requirements, building on Rockwell Automation's massive experience in this area.

The logic module comes with built-in Ethernet and RS232 serial ports as standard, two USB ports for mouse and keyboard support, DC power input and an extremely useful CompactFlash slot to enable stored files and data to be easily transferred for logging or upgrade purposes.

Both the internal storage and RAM of the logic module can be upgraded in the field and field replaceable bezels and backlights with a life expectancy of 50kh are available to help reduce maintenance expenses.

All these devices can be installed with minimal effort using only a screwdriver.

Communication can be via multiple ports using DH+, DH 485, DF1 serial, DH-485 serial, EtherNet/IP and many multivendor serial and Ethernet options as well as a user configurable solution.

Direct browsing of Allen-Bradley ControlLogix, FlexLogix, SoftLogix 5000 and RSLogix 5000 addresses eliminates the need to create or import separate HMI tags.

A key element in Rockwell Automation's philosophy is to allow easy migration from existing to new systems.

Existing PanelView Standard applications can be imported to RSView Studio and deployed on the new PanelView Plus.

PanelView Plus also uses the same cutouts as existing PanelView products but offers a larger display.

Of particular interest to manufacturing companies in regulated industries, for example food and drug manufacturers, are built-in features that meet the current FDA 21 CFR 11 legislation.

The electronic audit trail feature automatically logs any activity in the system, either locally or to a central repository.

Also the PanelView Plus security log-in can be validated to a central Windows 2000 based security model.

PanelView Plus usernames and passwords are synchronised with Windows 2000 domain passwords.

With their outstanding functionality and flexibility, PanelView Plus units will considerably reduce development time, simplify future maintenance and save time and money.

As a significant, integral part of the Rockwell Automation ViewAnyWare strategy, they represent a massive step forward in factory automation.

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